My wife and I just finished a wonderful winter escape at the Blue - Inn on the Beach for our…read moreanniversary. The drive to Plumb Island through Newburyport was the perfect introduction to our romantic, north shore getaway. Being from Phoenix, we look forward to our cold, winter adventure each year and neither of us had been anywhere north of Boston before. Before our arrival, communication with the Blue was informative and hand a personal feel. Obviously, the Blue caters to summer beach-goers, and the reserved parking area near the hotel would definitely be a huge plus for folks competing for parking spots, but in winter, there are very few people or cars on the entire island. The Blue is a quaint little hotel nestled on the beach in a neighborhood of New England beach homes. We were happily greeted at the front desk by Blue staff and the General Manager. They tendered to our every need and surprised us with a fabulous fruit and chocolate anniversary gift waiting for us in the room.
The room was beautiful with a classic and modern beach feel. Sliding glass doors open up to a wooden deck with a fabulous view of the Atlantic Ocean. We could hear the crashing waves while sitting inside beside the gas fireplace to read. It was magical!
Also magical was the bed! We haven't slept that well in years! The bed was so comfortable and my wife loved the pillows so much that she bought the very same ones for home the day we returned.
And don't forget the two hot tubs! There is nothing quite as enjoyable as relaxing in a steaming, bubbling hot tub while it's snowing all around you. Honestly, the "hot tubs available" filter was probably what highlighted the Blue to me during my search for this trip. One hot tub is on the second floor deck, overlooking the beach and the second is hidden under the pine trees at the end of a short sidewalk across the street from the main building. Both were large enough for probably 6 people, clean and well maintained. Again, it was February so we had them all to our crazy selves the whole week.
The beach is beautiful! There is direct, private access from the second floor of the Blue, via a wooden boardwalk. The beach is sandy with very few rocks. I didn't see any seaweed or anything washing up on shore, but it was February, so I didn't expect to see a whole lot of anything living coming out of the water. Every morning we enjoyed a beautiful sunrise over the ocean while we drank some local coffee delivered direct to the room.
Oh yeah, breakfast! Each morning the staff dropped off and adorable wicker basket with fresh, local breakfast offerings plus that wonderful carafe of coffee. We had different breakfast each day, to include quiche, overnight oats, fresh fruit, biscuits, and bacon. Just the right amount for the two of us and we couldn't wait to see what breakfast surprise would arrive each morning.
Although Plumb Island may feel remote from the business of the Boston-metro area, the location was great for dipping down to Salem without hitting any traffic, or popping up to New Hampshire for a sleighride through the forest. One morning, after a small nor'easter blew through, our SUV got stuck in the parking lot snow. No worries! The General Manager of the Blue came out to hail down a plow and personally helped push us out. Now that's service!
Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Blue -Inn on the Beach to anyone looking for a romantic beach getaway. If you're looking for a less Metropolitan vacation with the proximity to get to Boston in under an hour, the Blue can't be beat. We will definitely be coming back. Maybe even in the summer next time!